The Empty Chair

Wherever is an empty chair-- Lord, be Thou there! And fill it--like an answered prayer-- With grace of fragrant thought, and rare Sweet memories of him whose place Thou takest for a little space!-- --With thought of that heroical Great heart that sprang to Duty's call; --With thought of all the best in him, That Time shall have no power to dim; --With thought of Duty nobly done, And High Eternal Welfare won.

Think! Would you wish that he had stayed, When all the rest The Call obeyed? --That thought of self had held in thrall His soul, and shrunk it mean and small?

Nay, rather thank the Lord that he Rose to such height of chivalry; --That, with the need, his loyal soul Swung like a needle to its pole; --That, setting duty first, he went At once, as to a sacrament.

So, Lord, we thank Thee for Thy Grace, And pray Thee fill his vacant place!